Method for recycling secondary battery

ABSTRACT

A method featuring the steps of determining a secondary battery collected from a user as to whether it is reusable when being handed over again to the user after recharged, by performing a simple inspection on a site where the battery is received and returned to the user, and transferring the battery to another site for additional detailed inspection to further examine whether the battery is reusable when the determination is such that quality up to the specified capacity is not assured if the battery is given back for further usage to the user only after recharging it. The processes described in the above method can ensure the user that it has a reusable quality to the specified capacity, while the battery can be given back quickly.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a method of recycling reusablesecondary batteries by receiving and returning them to users.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] With the advancement of a variety of portable apparatuses in lateyears, many batteries are used widely in light of convenience inportability and general versatility, such as AA-type alkaline storagebatteries (type LR6), and the like.

[0003] On the other hand, small secondary batteries like rechargeablenickel metal hydride storage batteries, and lithium ion secondarybatteries are expanding their market rapidly, including applications inthe fields of cellular phones, laptop computers, video cameras, and thelike.

[0004] Alkaline dry batteries are readily available and easily usable.However, they are high in running cost, and heavy in environmental load,because they are disposed when completely discharged in headphonestereos and digital cameras, for instance.

[0005] On the other hand, although the secondary batteries are superiorin cost performance including their running cost, they are not quitepopular because of such reasons as high initial cost, taking time torecharge, requiring fully-charged spare batteries ready to use in caseof replacement, high price of battery charger, and so forth.

[0006] In addition, even though the secondary batteries consume lessamount of natural resources than the primary batteries because they canbe recharged many times for repeated use, a ratio of their reclamationis only about 10% at the most since collection of those once-soldsecondary batteries is dependent only upon goodwill of the individualusers.

[0007] Because of the above reasons, there were proposed number ofideas, such as recharging collected secondary batteries and resellingthem as second-hand goods, renting secondary batteries to the users withcollateral recharge service, and the like.

[0008] Japanese Patent Unexamined Publications, (1) H03-41594, (2)2001-283931, (3) S61-501289, (4) H01-173289, (5) H10-293874, (6)H11-150809, (7) 2000-90348, and (8) 2001-23037 are some examples of theideas (these publications are referred to as prior art examples 1through 8).

[0009] The prior art example 1 discloses a vending machine used to sellsecond-hand secondary batteries that are collected and classifiedaccording to their levels of quality. However, the vending machineprovided on a site where secondary batteries are exchanged with users(may also be referred to as “location”) needs to be a large scaleequipment, if the batteries are classified properly according to theirlevels in addition to the reuse process such as recharging. Furthermore,the recycle rate would likely go down extremely low, if the vendingmachine executes at the site only a simple process of inspection andrevitalization for reuse.

[0010] In addition, secondary batteries applicable to this vendingmachine are limited to small sealed lead-acid batteries as described inthis prior art example 1, since they are the only batteries, capacitiesof which can be determined based on open-circuit voltages and internalimpedance. Thus, the invention is not applicable to nickel metal hydridebatteries and lithium rechargeable batteries which are used mainly inthe late years.

[0011] Moreover, although the prior art example 1 makes reference torecovery of resources by recycling, an anticipated rate of recoverywould be considerably low in the reality, since collection of usedbatteries depends solely upon goodwill of the users once they were soldto them, as described above.

[0012] On the other hand, prior art example 2 discloses a method ofproviding exchange services, in which discharged secondary batteriesused by users are replaced with fully-charged secondary batteries.

[0013] However, the disclosed method takes some time to complete, and itdoes not provide prompt services, because it needs to execute placementof a tag for controlling history of each secondary battery in additionto recharging it at a site where batteries are brought in and exchangedwith users.

[0014] In addition, since degradation of the secondary batteries variesaccording to conditions of use by individual users, it is not possibleto assure quality of the batteries when being used by the users, if theyare controlled simply by time and number of usages. It also makes therecycling difficult when all secondary batteries that have exceededcertain usable periods are discarded automatically, since this leads todisposal of the unusable batteries without separating them into groupsof the same kind.

[0015] In other words, none of the above examples provides sound methodof assuring quality of the secondary batteries easily on the site wherethe secondary batteries are exchanged with users.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The present invention is derived in view of the above, with anobject of providing a method of receiving and replacing secondarybatteries in serviceable condition with users while assuring theirquality in a simple manner, thereby promoting repeated use and recyclingof the secondary batteries.

[0017] To achieve the above object, the method comprises the steps ofdetermining a secondary battery collected from a user as to whether itis reusable when being handed over again to the user after recharged, byperforming a simple inspection on a site where the battery is receivedand returned to the user, and transferring the battery to another sitefor additional detailed inspection to further examine whether thebattery is reusable when the determination is such that quality up tothe specified capacity is not assured if the battery is given back forfurther usage to the user only after recharging it.

[0018] The processes described in the above method can ensure the userthat it has a reusable quality to the specified capacity, while thebattery can be given back quickly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019]FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a system which achieves amethod of recycling secondary batteries according to a first exemplaryembodiment;

[0020]FIG. 2 is a diagram showing in detail the system of achieving themethod of recycling secondary batteries according to the first exemplaryembodiment;

[0021]FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a flow of processes in the method ofrecycling secondary batteries according to the first exemplaryembodiment;

[0022]FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing processes of visual inspection bymeans of image processing according to the first exemplary embodiment;

[0023]FIG. 5 is an external view of a secondary battery;

[0024]FIG. 6 is a management table showing information relating toclassification levels in the visual inspection according to the firstexemplary embodiment;

[0025]FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a box used for the visualinspection according to the first exemplary embodiment;

[0026]FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a method of recycling processesaccording to a second exemplary embodiment;

[0027]FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a process of identifying a useraccording to the second exemplary embodiment;

[0028]FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a method of recycling processesaccording to a third exemplary embodiment;

[0029]FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a process of verifying a batteryaccording to the third exemplary embodiment;

[0030]FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a secondary battery bearinga rewritable memory sheet according to the third exemplary embodiment;

[0031]FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram of an information managementsystem for managing recycling process data and the like according to afourth exemplary embodiment;

[0032]FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing architecture of a useridentification unit according to the fourth exemplary embodiment;

[0033]FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing architecture of a batteryidentification unit according to the fourth exemplary embodiment;

[0034]FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing architecture of a firstprocessing unit according to the fourth exemplary embodiment;

[0035]FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing architecture of a secondprocessing unit according to the fourth exemplary embodiment;

[0036]FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing architecture of a server unitaccording to the fourth exemplary embodiment;

[0037]FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an operating process of the serverunit according to the fourth exemplary embodiment;

[0038]FIG. 20 is a management table for users according to the fourthexemplary embodiment;

[0039]FIG. 21 is a management table for secondary batteries according tothe fourth exemplary embodiment; and

[0040]FIG. 22 is a map showing a structure of data transmitted to theserver unit according to the fourth exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0041] Referring to the accompanying drawings, description will beprovided hereinafter of methods of recycling secondary batteriesaccording to the preferred embodiments. Like reference marks are usedthroughout this document for structural components and steps having likefunctions and like operations, and details of them may be omitted fromone place to another.

[0042] (First Exemplary Embodiment)

[0043]FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a system of achieving amethod of recycling secondary batteries in this invention. FIG. 1 showsfirst site 101, second site 102 and third site 103.

[0044] First site 101 is a point of location for receiving usedsecondary batteries (i.e., discharged secondary batteries) from users ofthe secondary batteries (hereinafter referred to as “user” whenappropriate), and handing over to the users secondary batteries thathave been processed for revitalization such as recharging. Each arrowwith solid line indicates reception of a battery from each user, andeach arrow with dotted line indicates handing the battery over to theuser. The secondary battery being handed over to the user needs notnecessarily be the received same battery. First site 101 means any ofsuch stores as convenience stores, shops in railroad stations and thelike situated throughout the country, as concrete examples. There aregenerally a large number of first sites 101.

[0045] In first site 101, a predetermined inspection is performed toclassify batteries into at least two groups of different levels, thosein one group that can be handed over to the user as they are, and theothers in another group that need to be forwarded to second site 102.Processes are then carried out according to the levels of the individualgroups. One of the processings is to make the batteries reusable,details of which will be described with reference to FIG. 2.

[0046] In second site 102, the secondary batteries transferred fromfirst site 101 are received, and a predetermined inspection is againperformed to classify the batteries into at least two groups ofdifferent levels, those in one group that are returned to first site101, and the others in another group that need to be forwarded to athird site. Next, those secondary batteries having a certain level ofquality and therefore to be returned to first site 101 are subjected toa predetermined reuse process. To be more specific, the second site 102includes a reconditioning factory for the secondary batteries.

[0047] Third site 103 receives the secondary batteries that are notreusable from second site 102, and they are put into a recyclingprocess. The third site 103 includes a recycling factory, to be morespecific.

[0048] What has been described above is the system of accomplishing themethod of recycling the secondary batteries according to this invention.

[0049] The processes to be carried out in first site 101, second site102 and third site 103 are now described by referring to a flowchart ofFIG. 2.

[0050] The process performed in first site 101 is described first.

[0051] Step S2011: A first inspection is performed on secondarybatteries received from a user, and these secondary batteries areseparated into two or more groups of different levels based on a resultof the first inspection. This step is called first quality controlprocess, and the batteries are separated here into a first group (Gp.1)to be transferred to a first reuse process and a second group (Gp.2)transferred to a second quality control process. The first inspectionmay include two or more different kinds of examinations.

[0052] Step S2012: The secondary batteries separated into one or morelevels and belonging to Gp.1 are subjected to a first reuse processingwhich consists of different processes according to the classifiedlevels, to make them reusable. Thus, the process is called the firstreuse process. The first reuse process may include two or more differentkinds of processing for revitalization.

[0053] Describing next pertains to the process performed in second site102.

[0054] Step S2021: The secondary batteries separated into at least onelevel that belong to Gp.2 are subjected to a second inspection, andthese secondary batteries are again separated into two or more groups ofdifferent levels based on a result of the second inspection. This stepis called second quality control process, and the batteries areseparated here into a third group (Gp.3) to be transferred to a secondreuse process and a fourth group (Gp.4) transferred to a recyclingfactory. The second inspection may include two or more different kindsof examinations.

[0055] Step S2022: The secondary batteries separated into one or morelevels among those belonging to Gp.3 are subjected to a second reuseprocess which consists of different processes according to theclassified levels, to make them reusable. This process is thus calledthe second reuse process. Processes as to how the revitalization iscarried out on the secondary batteries of each level are determinedbeforehand. The second reuse process may include two or more differentkinds of processing for revitalization.

[0056] Describing next pertains to a process performed in third site103.

[0057] Step S2031: The secondary batteries separated into one or morelevels that belong to Gp.4 and not subjected to the second reuse processas a result of the separation in the second quality control process aredisassembled to collect useful materials. This process is calledrecycling process.

[0058] Described above is the basic flow of reusing the secondarybatteries.

[0059] It is desirable that the first quality control process to becarried out in first site 101 is comparatively simple inspection thanthat of the second quality control process performed in second site 102.The simple inspection means such that requires inexpensive equipment toperform the inspection, and needs a short time and little man-hour tocarry out the inspection.

[0060] In addition, it is also desirable that the first reuse process tobe carried out in first site 101 is comparatively simple process thanthe second reuse process performed in second site 102. The simpleprocess means such that requires inexpensive equipment, short time andlittle man-hour to complete the processing.

[0061] First site 101 is considered to be any of such places asconvenience stores, shops in railroad stations and the like situatedthroughout the country, and the inspection and reuse process carried outin first site 101 thus need to be simple using inexpensive equipment. Itis also desirable that the inspection and reuse process carried out infirst site 101 can be completed in a short time. On the other hand,second site 102 may be established in just one or a few locations tocover the whole country, and takes difficult tasks of the inspection andthe reuse process.

[0062] Description is provided hereinafter of specific details about thefirst inspection, the second inspection, the first reuse process, andthe second reuse process by referring to FIG. 3.

[0063] First, a used battery is brought into a site by a user. The sitemeans first site 101, which can be one of many convenience storeslocated throughout the country, for example.

[0064] Next, identification is made of the battery. The identificationof the battery is a process of determining whether it is one ofsecondary batteries that are subject of this method of recyclingaccording to the present invention. If the recycling process is intendedonly for secondary batteries of certain manufacturers, for instance, anysecondary batteries made by other manufacturers are rejected as “NG” asa result of the identification, and it is returned to the user. Thisidentification can be made by means of image processing of the exteriorview of the battery, or by reading a barcode or a data recorded in arewritable memory sheet placed on the exterior of the battery. A methodof identifying the battery will be described in detail in the subsequentexemplary embodiment. The identification of battery is not limited toidentifying the manufacturer. Such secondary batteries that are subjectof the recycling process of this invention may be provided individuallywith a barcode or a rewritable memory sheet having information recordedas to whether it is one of the pre-selected applicable secondarybatteries. This facilitates the identification of the battery by simplyreading the information.

[0065] Performed next is an open-circuit voltage check as one item ofthe first inspection (inspection 1-1). The open-circuit voltage check isa process of measuring a value of open-circuit voltage and separatingthe secondary battery into any of two or more groups of different levelsaccording to the voltage value. In the case the secondary battery is anAA-size nickel metal hydride battery, as a specific example, it isjudged “Good” in quality level if it has an open-circuit voltage in arange of 1.0V and 1.4V and an internal resistance in a range of 10 mΩand 40 mΩ, but it is judged “NG” if any of the values is outside of theabove ranges. In FIG. 2, Gp.1 corresponds to the level of “Good”, andGp.2 the level of “NG”.

[0066] Next, a secondary battery classified into the level of “Good” asa result of the above open-circuit voltage check is put to apredetermined recharging process. This recharging process is one ofsteps in the above first reuse process. The first reuse process mayinclude only one, two, or more kinds of processing steps, however.

[0067] A secondary battery, if classified to be the level of “NG” as aresult of the open-circuit voltage check, is transferred to the secondsite for processing. Concrete example of the process performed in thesecond site will be described in detail in the later paragraph.

[0068] The secondary battery classified as being the level of “Good”(Gp.1) as a result of the above open-circuit voltage check is put to therecharging process, as described already. The recharged secondarybattery can be handed over to the user. However, it is preferable tocarry out the following inspection before it is handed over. It is aclosed-circuit voltage check (inspection 1-2) for measuring a value ofclosed-circuit voltage. It is desirable to complete the inspection andthe recycling process in first site 101 only when a result of thisclosed-circuit voltage check satisfies a prescribed condition. In thecase of AA-size nickel metal hydride battery, the prescribed conditionto be satisfied with is a minimum voltage value of 1.10V (or higher)when the closed-circuit voltage is measured for a duration of 0.5 secondin a circuit of 0.3 Ω resistance. Any secondary battery that can meetthe above requirement is considered to satisfy the need of user.

[0069] Description is now provided of the process carried out in secondsite 102, with reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4.

[0070] First, those secondary batteries that are classified in (Gp.2) ashaving the level of “NG” in the inspection and processing in first site101 are delivered.

[0071] The received secondary batteries are placed under a visualinspection. The visual inspection is to check the secondary batteriesfor their stain, scratches and the like damages. The visual inspectionincludes the following methods.

[0072] A first visual inspection is to check an external appearance bymeans of image processing. This inspection using image processing isdescribed by referring to a flowchart of FIG. 4.

[0073] Step S401: Determination is made as to whether a device for thevisual inspection, not shown here, has accepted a secondary battery. Theprocess proceeds to step S402 if the determination is that the devicehas accepted a secondary battery, or the process goes back to the stepS401 if a battery is not accepted.

[0074] Step S402: Appearance data covering information on externalappearance of the accepted secondary battery is produced. The appearancedata includes such information as an external view of the secondarybattery taken by a camera, scanner and the like, for example. It isdesirable that this appearance data covers pictures taken from aplurality of directions rather than just one view taken from onedirection.

[0075] Step S403: A normal appearance data is retrieved from thosestored beforehand in the device for carrying out the visual inspection.

[0076] Step S404: Comparison is made between the appearance dataproduced in step S402 with the normal appearance data retrieved in stepS403.

[0077] Step S405: A determination is then made as to if a differencebetween the two data is equal to or larger than a predetermined ratio asa result of the comparison in step S404. If it is equal to or largerthan the predetermined ratio, the process goes on to step S406, or theprocess ends if it is smaller than the predetermined ratio. This ratiocan be set to any value as deemed appropriate. For instance, anysecondary battery having scratches, etc. over 10% or larger area of itis sent to step S406. Subsequently, the secondary battery can bedelivered after the exterior surface having scratches is renewed.

[0078] Step S406: The exterior is renewed. Renewal of the exteriorincludes such a process as, for example, stripping an old exterior coverof the secondary battery and placing a new exterior cover. This processof renewing the exterior is one of the processes made in the secondreuse process.

[0079] In the visual inspection performed by image processing, it isdesirable to thoroughly check the exterior around positive terminal 51of the secondary battery shown in FIG. 5. The reason is that anyswelling or deformation present in this area, even small in size,prevents the battery from being reused. Therefore, if the secondarybattery has any swelling or deformation in the vicinity of positiveterminal 51, it is put into “disposal” in FIG. 3. The secondary batteryseparated into the group of “disposal” may be transferred to therecycling process.

[0080] The predetermined ratio used for screening the secondarybatteries may be set differently from one area to another. In otherwords, there are different values of predetermined ratios for positiveterminal 51, exterior surface 52 and negative terminal portion 53 of thesecondary battery as indicated in a table shown in FIG. 6. A battery isgrouped into the level of “NG” if a result of the visual inspection isany of 1% or larger in the vicinity of positive terminal 51, 10% orlarger in exterior surface 52 and 5% or larger in negative terminalportion 53.

[0081] A second visual inspection is a method to mechanically check aswelling, scratch and the like of the secondary battery with a simplevisual inspection tool. The tool shown in FIG. 7 has a hole of similarshape as the battery (a cylindrical shape in this case). It is a methodof placing the secondary battery into insertion opening 71, anddetermining automatically that the battery has a swelling or the like ifit does not fit in the hole. The determination can be made easily as towhether the secondary batteries is inserted, by using pressure sensor 72provided in the bottom of the hole. Further details are not given here,since such method is a well-known technique.

[0082] All of secondary batteries classified as being the level of“Good” as a result of the visual inspection and those given the processof exterior renewal are subjected to an electrical charge capacityinspection (i.e. inspection 2-1), and separated into two or more groups.The electrical charge capacity inspection is an inspection to examine anelectrical charge and discharge capacity of the secondary batteries, andit includes the following inspections as specific example.

[0083] In the case of an AA-size nickel metal hydride storage battery of1600 mAh in the rated capacity (commercially available AA-type battery),the electrical charge and discharge check is made in the followingsteps.

[0084] First, the battery is charged for 12 hours with an electriccurrent of 160 mA (this is called a 120% charge of the rated capacity).

[0085] Next, the battery is discharged with an electric current of 320mA until a terminal voltage (i.e. the voltage measured with a voltmeteracross a positive and a negative terminals) of the battery drops down to1.0V.

[0086] A capacity of the battery is calculated as 320 mA×5 hours toobtain 1600 mAh, if it takes 5 hours to drop the voltage to 1.0V.

[0087] The battery is classified into the group of “Good” if the batterycapacity calculated above satisfies the rated capacity or a given levelof capacity (i.e. quality-guaranteed capacity). Or, the battery isclassified as “NG” if it does not meet any of the criteria.

[0088] Any of the secondary batteries classified “Good” as a result ofthe above electrical charge capacity inspection is then put to acharging process. It is normal to provide the batteries with an agingperiod after the charging process. This process is also one of steps inthe second reuse process described above.

[0089] On the other hand, the other secondary batteries of which resultsof the above electrical charge capacity inspection are classified as“NG” are put to a disposing process or a recycling process. Therecycling process is to disassemble the secondary batteries, and tocollect useful materials for recycling.

[0090] Those secondary batteries that have been charged and gone throughthe aging period are examined again for the open-circuit voltage checkand the closed-circuit voltage check. The secondary batteries areseparated into two or more groups of different levels based on resultsof the open-circuit voltage check and the closed-circuit voltage check.The open-circuit voltage check and the closed-circuit voltage check fallunder the second inspection (inspection 2-2) shown in FIG. 3. In thecase of AA-size nickel metal hydride storage battery, for example, itcan be classified “Good” if an open-circuit voltage is within a range of1.30V and 1.40V, and an internal resistance is in a range of 10 mΩ and40 mΩ.

[0091] In measuring a closed-circuit voltage in the second inspection,it is desirable that a resistance of 0.3 Ω and a measuring time of 0.5second are used as the measurement conditions in the case of AA-sizenickel metal hydride storage battery, for example. Under the abovecondition, it is desirable to classify any battery as “Good” when it hasa closed-circuit voltage value of 1.10V or higher.

[0092] If results of the open-circuit voltage check and theclosed-circuit voltage check are preferable, or judged “Good”, thesecondary battery is returned to first site 101. Or, it is put to thedisposing process or the recycling process described above if judged“NG”.

[0093] The description given above is the basic flow of the method ofrecycling secondary batteries in this exemplary embodiment. According tothis exemplary embodiment, simple inspection and simple revitalizingprocess are carried out in first site 101, and all secondary batteriesnot properly processable in first site 101 are transferred to secondsite 102. Relatively complicated inspection and reuse process are thenperformed in second site 102. By establishing the inspection and thereuse processes in two stages, this embodiment can thereby increasesubstantially a recycling rate of the secondary batteries and promoterealization of the recycle-oriented society of secondary batteries.Adoption of this recycling method of the invention can thus remarkablycontribute to solving the environmental problems.

[0094] In addition, since the secondary batteries not processable insecond site 102 are brought to third site 103 for the recycling process,this further improves effective use of the resources.

[0095] In this exemplary embodiment, although the plurality ofinspections and the plurality of recycling processes have been describedas being carried out in first site 101 and second site 102, all of theseprocesses need not be completed in the two sites. Instead, only some ofthe inspections and the processes described above may be doneselectively when appropriate.

[0096] Moreover, although the visual inspection has been described inthis exemplary embodiment as being carried out in the second site, aprocess of examining the exterior may be executed in the first site. Inthis case, the secondary batteries classified as “NG” in the result ofthe visual inspection are normally transferred to second site 102 forrenewal of the exterior finish.

[0097] Furthermore, it is desirable in this exemplary embodiment thatthe secondary batteries are recharged complementally before they arehanded over to users, if a certain time has passed after they were gonethrough the reuse process. To determine the elapsed time, anidentification label may be placed on a surface of each battery or abovea wrapping after it is recharged. The user can purchase the fullyrecharged secondary batteries trustfully, by confirming a date of therecharge which is printed in characters or marked otherwise in theidentification labels placed on them. In addition, a form of wrappingthe batteries can be changed in a manner so that the users can easilydetermine whether the batteries are unused at the time of purchase.There are number of ways to achieve this object, including a method ofwrapping the entire battery, wrapping a part of the battery or affixinga seal in a manner to insulate one of positive and negative terminals ofthe battery. If batteries are wrapped in this manner so that they cannotbe used unless the wrapping or the seals are removed, the user caneasily determine that the batteries are not used.

[0098] Moreover, the second quality control process in this exemplaryembodiment may include additional inspections for short-circuit and thelike. The inspection for short-circuit is to determine whether thesecondary battery has any internal defect such as short-circuit or apartial short-circuit, and that the secondary battery maintain apredetermined capacity.

[0099] While there are many types of secondary batteries such as leadacid batteries, nickel cadmium batteries, nickel metal hydridebatteries, lithium secondary batteries, and the like, this recyclingmethod of the invention is applicable to any of these secondarybatteries.

[0100] Among these listed above, the nickel metal hydride batteries arethe most suitable secondary batteries for this recycling method of theinvention, since they have such superior characteristics as very safeand not likely to deteriorate easily in the discharge capacity evenafter repeated use as many as 500 times of charging and dischargingcycles under the normal use condition.

[0101] (Second Exemplary Embodiment)

[0102] Description is provided in this exemplary embodiment of the casewhich includes an authentication process of users. Inspections forquality control and reuse process are performed in the like manner asdescribed in the first exemplary embodiment.

[0103] In this exemplary embodiment, a system is so designed that onlyregistered users (may be referred to as user) can use a method of reusesecondary batteries described in this document of the invention. Userauthentication is a process of determining that a user is registered.This process of user authentication is carried out prior to the qualitycontrol process and the reuse process described above.

[0104] Referring to a flowchart of FIG. 8, description is given below ofa relation among the user authentication process, the quality controlprocess and the reuse process.

[0105] Step S801: A user identifier for identifying a user is retrieved.This step is called a user identifier retrieving process.

[0106] Step S802: Determination is made as to whether the user islegitimate as identified by the retrieved user identifier.

[0107] Step S2011: A first quality control process is performed.

[0108] Step S2012: A first reuse process is performed.

[0109] Step S2021: A second quality control process is performed.

[0110] Step S2022: A second reuse process is performed.

[0111] Step S2031: A recycling process is performed.

[0112] Description is provided hereinafter of the user identifierretrieving process and the user authentication process in detail using aflowchart shown in FIG. 9.

[0113] Step S901: Determination is made as to whether there is an inputof user identifier. The process goes on to step S902 if there is aninput, or goes back to step S901 if there is no input. The useridentifier may be such data as a series of characters, a barcode, andthe like. Input of the user identifier can be made using a variety ofmeans such as entry through a keyboard, reading a barcode with a barcodereader, reading the user identifier recorded in an IC card, reading theuser identifier recorded on a memory sheet placed on the exterior of thesecondary battery, and the like.

[0114] Step S902: The user identifier is acquired.

[0115] Step S903: Using the user identifier as a key, a user managementdatabase prepared beforehand is searched. The user management databasemay be so designed as to store user identifiers individually, or certainconditions corresponding to users.

[0116] Step S904: Determination is made on a result of the search as towhether the user is legitimate. If the user is legitimate, the processproceeds to step S905, or proceeds to step S906 if not. The user isdetermined legitimate if the user management database stores a useridentifier that matches with the user identifier input to it, or acondition stored therein corresponds to the user identifier input to it.

[0117] Step S905: A series of inspection and reuse processes are carriedout from step S2011 to step S2031 as shown in FIG. 8.

[0118] Step S906: Error process is made. The error process means any ofa process of providing an error message, a process of preventing abattery from being inserted into the box shown in FIG. 7, and a processof rejecting the inserted battery as it is to be returned to the user.

[0119] In the second exemplary embodiment, details have been given aboveof the user authentication process. By executing the userauthentication, this exemplary embodiment allows a party promoting thisbusiness to carry out the method of recycling secondary batteries underit own control, thereby helping it to further promote recycling of thesecondary batteries, and to contribute to the environment protection.

[0120] The process of user authentication in this second exemplaryembodiment is carried out mainly as a part of the method of recyclingthe secondary batteries described in the first exemplary embodiment.

[0121] (Third Exemplary Embodiment)

[0122] Description is provided in the third exemplary embodiment of thecase which includes a process of battery verification using a batteryidentification data. The battery verification means a process ofidentifying batteries to be reused or recycled according to therecycling method described above, so as to exclude any of batteries thatare not subject of this process. Inspections for quality control andreuse process are performed in the like manner as described in the firstexemplary embodiment.

[0123] Referring to a flowchart of FIG. 10, description is givenhereinafter of a relation among the user verification process, thequality control process and the reuse process.

[0124] Step S1001: A secondary battery identifier for identifying asecondary battery is retrieved. This step is called a battery identifierretrieving process.

[0125] Step S1002: Determination is made as to whether the secondarybattery is suitable as identified by the retrieved secondary batteryidentifier. This step is called a battery verification process.

[0126] Step S2011: A first quality control process is performed.

[0127] Step S2012: A first reuse process is performed.

[0128] Step S2021: A second quality control process is performed.

[0129] Step S2022: A second reuse process is performed.

[0130] Step S2031: A recycling process is performed.

[0131] Description is provided hereinafter of the battery identifierretrieving process and the battery verification process in detail usinga flowchart shown in FIG. 11.

[0132] Step S1101: Determination is made as to whether a secondarybattery identifier is received. The process goes on to step S1102 if asecondary battery identifier is received, or goes back to a pointpreceding step S1101 if a secondary battery identifier is not received.The secondary battery identifier can be of any data so long as it canidentify a type of secondary batteries. The secondary battery identifiercan be of any such data that can identify the secondary batteriesindividually, a name of manufacturer or distributor of the secondarybatteries, and a date of manufacture of the secondary batteries.

[0133] The secondary battery identifier can be of any form such as aseries of characters, barcode, image data, and the like. Input of thesecondary battery identifier can be made using a variety of means suchas entry through a keyboard, reading a barcode with a barcode reader,reading the secondary battery identifier recorded in an IC card, readingthe secondary battery identifier recorded on a memory sheet placed onthe exterior of the secondary battery, and the like.

[0134] Step S1102: The secondary battery identifier is retrieved.

[0135] Step S1103: Determination is made as to whether the secondarybattery is suitable based on the retrieved secondary battery identifier.The process goes on to step S1104 if it is suitable, or the processproceeds to step S1105 if it is not suitable. The secondary battery issuitable if it is one of the objects to be processed using this methodof recycling according to this invention.

[0136] Step S1104: A series of inspection and reuse processes arecarried out from step S2011 to step S2031 as shown in FIG. 10.

[0137] Step S1105: Error process is carried out. The error process meansany of a process of providing an error message, a process of preventinga battery from being inserted into the box shown in FIG. 7, and aprocess of rejecting the inserted battery as it is to be returned to theuser.

[0138] Description given above is the operating steps of the batteryverification process. A concrete example of the battery verification isdescribed hereinafter.

[0139] Assume that there is a secondary battery here as shown in FIG.12. This secondary battery is provided with rewritable memory sheet 121affixed thereto. This memory sheet 121 has 24 bits of data, in which twohigher bits 1 and 2 represent a manufacturer identifier foridentification of the manufacturer, and the following four bits 3 to 6represent a data indicating year of manufacture of the battery. Digits“0010” indicate the year 2,002, as an example of identifyingmanufacturing year. In this example, digits in these four bits canidentify any year from 2,000 to 2,015.

[0140] The next four bits 7 to 10 show month of manufacture. Itrepresents January in this example because the digits are “0001”. Thenext five bits 11 to 15 indicate day of manufacture. In this example, itis the fourth day because they are “00100”. In other words, the date ofmanufacture of this example is Jan. 4, 2002.

[0141] Finally, the following nine bits 16 to 24 represent amanufacturing serial number at the date of manufacture. Originalidentification of the secondary battery can be made as described byusing the date of manufacture and the manufacturing serial number.

[0142] Describing next pertains to the battery verification when theabove data are recorded in memory sheet 121 of the secondary battery.Determination is made first as to whether there is a memory sheetaffixed to it when making verification, and a battery is considered notsuitable if it does not bear a memory sheet. This is because any batterywithout a memory sheet is treated as not suitable for reuse.

[0143] In addition, the manufacturer identifier is examined, and thebattery is determined not suitable if it is not one of the batteriesmade by any of reregistered manufacturers. The purpose of this is toenable the system to handle only batteries made by certain manufacturersas reusable batteries.

[0144] Furthermore, the date of manufacture is examined, and the batteryis determined not suitable if it is manufactured before a specifieddate. The purpose of this is to exclude old batteries from a flow of thereuse process.

[0145] Moreover, the manufacturing serial number is also used fordetermination that only secondary batteries having manufacturing serialnumbers larger than a predetermined number are suitable. This is for thereason that a predetermined number of batteries are put on sale in theregular channel, and all other secondary batteries manufactured inexcess of the predetermined number are used for the business through theprocess of this recycling method.

[0146] In the third exemplary embodiment, the method of recyclingsecondary batteries using the secondary battery identifier was describedas above. Since this puts only the suitable secondary batteries into theflow of this recycling method, it can establish a system of reusing thesuitable batteries.

[0147] In the third exemplary embodiment, although the determination ismade directly from the secondary battery identifier to verify that thebattery is suitable, the same determination may be made by contacting acenter computer via a network or the like by referring the secondarybattery identifier. In this case, the center computer is designed tostore in advance such information as manufacturer identifiers, dates ofmanufacture, history of use as well as history of reuse processes, andthe like as will be described in a fourth exemplary embodiment, in acorresponding manner to the individual secondary battery identifiers.

[0148] Furthermore, this third exemplary embodiment may be providedadditionally with the process of user authentication using useridentifier described in the second exemplary embodiment.

[0149] In addition, the user identifier may also be included into thesecondary battery identifier.

[0150] In this third exemplary embodiment, although what has beendescribed is a variety of ways in the method of verifying the secondarybatteries (i.e. data and process used for the verification), thisinvention is not restrictive to those described. Memory sheet 121 usedhere may be made of heat-sensitive rewritable card and the like whichcan be written in with a thermal head or a thermal laser, for instance.

[0151] Alternatively, a heat-sensitive rewritable card may be sodesigned and used in such a manner that it has printed data includingcharacters, symbols, and other markings used as conventional label,beside a certain area for recording additional information required asthe memory sheet described above. Use of the label in this way can omitextra labels on batteries. In addition, a recharge date may be recordedby printing it with a character data in a portion of the heat-sensitiverewritable card. The user can thus purchase the fully rechargedsecondary batteries trustfully, by confirming the date of recharge.

[0152] (Fourth Exemplary Embodiment)

[0153] In the fourth exemplary embodiment, description is provided of asystem of managing information relating to inspections, reuse processesand the like performed in a first quality control process, a first reuseprocess, a second quality control process, a second reuse process, and arecycling process.

[0154]FIG. 13 shows a conceptual architecture of an informationmanagement system for managing information on the inspections and thereuse processes and the like.

[0155] The information management system comprises user identificationunit 1011, battery identification unit 1012, first processing unit 1013,second processing unit 1021 and server unit 21.

[0156] User identification unit 1011, battery identification unit 1012and first processing unit 1013 are normally located in first site 101.Second processing unit 1021 is normally located in second site 102.

[0157] User identification unit 1011, battery identification unit 1012,first processing unit 1013, and second processing unit 1021 areconnected to a network with a cable or wireless means so as tocommunicate data with server unit 21. However, communication betweenuser identification unit 1011, etc. and server unit 21 needs not belimited only to the network, so long as the data are exchangeable. Inother words, the communication can be achieved by broadcasting meanssuch as ground wave and satellite, CATV, and the like.

[0158] User identification unit 1011 carries out a process of userauthentication as described in the second exemplary embodiment. Forinstance, it reads a user identifier from an IC card, and makes aninquiry about legitimacy of the user from server unit 21.

[0159] Battery identification unit 1012 carries out verification processof secondary batteries as described in the third exemplary embodiment.For example, it reads data on exterior view of a secondary battery witha scanner or the like, obtains a manufacturer name of the secondarybattery, and determines whether the battery identified by themanufacturer name is one of covered objects to be processed in thesubsequent step.

[0160] There is also the following process as another example. Batteryidentification unit 1012 obtains a secondary battery identifier recordedin a memory sheet affixed to a secondary battery, and acquires a varietyof information on the secondary battery from server unit 21 using thesecondary battery identifier as a key. The subsequent inspectionprocesses and reuse processes may vary depending on the obtainedinformation.

[0161] First processing unit 1013 is a device to achieve the firstquality control process (S2011) and the first reuse process (S2012)described in the first exemplary embodiment. Details of it will bedescribed below.

[0162] Second processing unit 1021 is a device to achieve the secondquality control process (S2021) and the second reuse process (S2022)also described in the first exemplary embodiment. Details of it will bedescribed below.

[0163] Server unit 21 receives and stores results of the variety ofinspections and information of the reuse processes carried out on thesecondary battery identified by the user identifier and the secondarybattery identifier. Details will also be described below.

[0164] Each of the above units is described hereinafter in thesequential order.

[0165]FIG. 14 shows a block diagram representing a structure of useridentification unit 1011. The user identification unit 1011 comprisesuser identifier acquiring section 10111, user inquiry section 10112,first result receiving section 10113 and first result output section10114.

[0166] User identifier acquiring section 10111 acquires a useridentifier. It may be comprised of an IC card reader, and software forretrieving the user identifier from data stored in the IC card and readout by the reader, for example.

[0167] User inquiry section 10112 makes an inquiry from server unit 21as to whether a user identified by the user identifier acquired by useridentifier acquiring section 10111 is a registered user. User inquirysection 10112 can be comprised of communication mans such as a modem anddriver software. In the fourth exemplary embodiment, it is assumed thatthe user is not given any service of the reuse process of the secondarybatteries unless he is registered.

[0168] First result receiving section 10113 receives informationrepresenting a response to the inquiry on registration of the user.First result receiving section 10113 can be comprised of a modem anddriver software, like the user inquiry section 10112.

[0169] First result output section 10114 outputs the result received byfirst result receiving section 10113. This output may include any suchforms as an image produced on display, though not shown in the figure,voice output, and an output by printing. A secondary battery brought inby a user carries a memory sheet with a user identifier recordedtherein, and the user identifier can be used to authenticate legitimacyof the user. When the user is authenticated as not legitimate, in thisinstance, the above output includes a process of rejecting the secondarybattery outside of the unit.

[0170] This operation of user identification unit 1011 has already beendescribed in the second exemplary embodiment with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 9.

[0171]FIG. 15 shows a block diagram representing a structure of batteryidentification unit 1012. Battery identification unit 1012 comprisessecondary battery identifier acquiring section 10121, secondary batteryinquiry section 10122, second result receiving section 10123, and secondresult output section 10124.

[0172] Secondary battery identifier acquiring section 10121 acquires asecondary battery identifier. Acquiring methods include (1) method ofreading a secondary battery identifier recorded in a memory sheetaffixed to a secondary battery, (2) method of acquiring a secondarybattery identifier input from a keyboard or the like, (3) method ofscanning an exterior view of secondary battery using a scanner anddriver software, and acquiring a secondary battery identifier from dataon the exterior view, and (4) method of acquiring a secondary batteryidentifier by reading a barcode on a secondary battery with a barcodereader.

[0173] Secondary battery inquiry section 10122 sends an inquiry toserver unit 21 on whether a secondary battery identified by a secondarybattery identifier acquired by secondary battery identifier acquiringsection 10121 is a suitable secondary battery. The determination as towhether the secondary battery is suitable may be made simply byconfirming that it is a registered one, or checking a period of timeafter the secondary battery is manufactured, or a number of times it hasbeen processed for reusing. If the determination is made according tothe time period and the number of reuses, information on a variety ofprocesses made to the secondary battery as described below are stored inthe server unit or recorded in a memory sheet affixed to the secondarybattery as its historical data.

[0174] Secondary battery inquiry section 10122 can be comprised ofcommunication means such as a modem and driver software.

[0175] Second result receiving section 10123 is also comprised of amodem and driver software, for instance, and it receives informationrepresenting a result, or a response to the inquiry on suitability ofthe secondary battery.

[0176] Second result output section 10124 outputs the result received bysecond result receiving section 10123. The output can be of a variety offorms like those described as output of first result output section10114.

[0177] Battery identification unit 1012 operates in the like manner asalready described in the third exemplary embodiment with reference tothe flowchart shown in FIG. 11.

[0178] Description is given next about first processing unit 1013. FIG.16 shows a block diagram representing a structure of first processingunit 1013.

[0179] First processing unit 1013 comprises first battery receivingsection 10131, first quality control section 10132, first inspectionresult transmitter section 10133, first reuse processing section 10134,first processed result transmitter section 10135, recharging section10136, and recharge result transmitter section 10137.

[0180] First battery receiving section 10131 receives a secondarybattery for first inspection and reuse process. For instance, firstbattery receiving section 10131 receives a secondary battery after thebattery is verified suitable as a result of user identification andbattery identification and delivered with a conveyer (not shown), or thelike. At the same time, related information on user identifier andsecondary battery identifier are forwarded via a bus (not shown) withinthe unit.

[0181] First quality control section 10132 conducts a first inspectiondescribed with FIG. 3 in the first exemplary embodiment, and classifiesthe secondary battery into appropriate group of level based on a resultof the inspection. Details of the first inspection are not repeated heresince they were described in the first exemplary embodiment.

[0182] First inspection result transmitter section 10133 transmits toserver unit 21 information on the first inspection, which shows theresult of the inspection conducted by first quality control section10132, in connection with the user identifier and the secondary batteryidentifier. First inspection result transmitter section 10133 can becomprised of any means, not only such cable-communication means as amodem and radio-communication means as PHS, but also broadcasting meanssuch as CATV.

[0183] First reuse processing section 10134 carries out a reuse processof the secondary battery that has been classified into one of aplurality of levels as the result of the first inspection by firstquality control section 10132. Since this reuse process was described inthe first exemplary embodiment, it is not repeated here.

[0184] First processed result transmitter section 10135 transmits toserver unit 21 the first reuse information, which represents datarelated to the reuse process carried out in first reuse processingsection 10134, in connection with the user identifier and the secondarybattery identifier. First processed result transmitter section 10135 canalso be comprised of any means, not only such cable-communication meansas a modem and radio-communication means as PHS, but also broadcastingmeans such as CATV.

[0185] Recharging section 10136 complementally recharges the once reusedsecondary battery before it is handed over to a user, if a certain timehas passed after it was gone through the reuse process.

[0186] Recharge result transmitter section 10137 transmits to serverunit 21 the recharge information, which represents data on the rechargeprocess done by recharging section 10136, in connection with the useridentifier and the secondary battery identifier. Recharge resulttransmitter section 10137 can also be comprised of any such means, notonly cable-communication means like a modem and radio-communicationmeans as PHS, but also broadcasting means such as CATV. The rechargeinformation includes such data as a proof to the effect that therecharge was actually made, an amount of recharged electric power, andthe like.

[0187] Description is provided next of second processing unit 1021. FIG.17 shows a block diagram representing a structure of second processingunit 1021.

[0188] Second processing unit 1021 comprises second battery receivingsection 10211, second quality control section 10212, second inspectionresult transmitter section 10213, second reuse processing section 10214,and second processed result transmitter section 10215.

[0189] Second battery receiving section 10211 receives the secondarybattery having gone through the process by first processing unit 1012.The secondary battery processed by first processing unit 1012 istransferred with a conveyer (not shown) or the like, for example. At thesame time, related information on user identifier and secondary batteryidentifier are forwarded via an internal Bus (not shown).

[0190] Second quality control section 10212 conducts a second inspectionsimilar to that described in the first exemplary embodiment, andclassifies the secondary battery into appropriate level based on aresult of the inspection. Details of the second inspection are notrepeated here since they were described with reference to FIG. 3 in thefirst exemplary embodiment.

[0191] Second inspection result transmitter section 10213 transmits toserver unit 21 the second inspection information, which shows the resultof the inspection conducted by second quality control section 10212, inconnection with the user identifier and the secondary batteryidentifier. Second inspection result transmitter section 10213 can becomprised of any such means, as not only cable-communication means likea modem and radio-communication means as PHS, but also broadcastingmeans such as CATV.

[0192] Second reuse processing section 10214 carries out another reuseprocess (second reuse process) of the secondary battery that has beenclassified into one of a plurality of levels as the result of the secondinspection by second quality control section 10212. This second reuseprocess was already described with reference to FIG. 3 in the firstexemplary embodiment.

[0193] Second processed result transmitter section 10215 transmits toserver unit 21 the second reuse information, which represents datarelated to the reuse process carried out by second reuse processingsection 10214, in connection with the user identifier and the secondarybattery identifier. Second processed result transmitter section 10215can also be comprised of any such means, as not only cable-communicationmeans like a modem and radio-communication means as PHS, but alsobroadcasting means such as CATV.

[0194] Description is provided next of server unit 21. FIG. 18 shows astructure of server unit 21.

[0195] Server unit 21 comprises information receiving section 2101,information identification section 2102, information recording section2103, information storage section 2104, inquiry receiving section 2105,retrieving section 2106, and result transmitter section 2107.

[0196] Information receiving section 2101 receives a variety ofinformation from the individual units in first site 101 and second site102. Information receiving section 2101 generally comprisescommunications means such as a modem, driver software, and the like.

[0197] Information identification section 2102 identifies a kind ofinformation received in information receiving section 2101. Informationidentification section 2102 comprises software. The software is normallystored in a semiconductor memory. Or, information identification section2102 may be composed of a custom design electronic circuit.

[0198] Information recording section 2103 records the information inappropriate storage area (i.e. information storage section 2104described hereinafter) according to the kind identified by informationidentification section 2102. Information recording section 2103 can becomprised of software.

[0199] Information storage section 2104 has information stored therein.The information means those recorded by information recording section2103. More specifically, the information includes such information asused for managing the users, covering data of secondary batteries(including usage and other historical data of the secondary batteries),and the like. Information storage section 2104 may be comprised of anyof a hard disk, rewritable optical disk, and the like medium capable ofstoring the information.

[0200] Inquiry receiving section 2105 receives inquiries from useridentification unit 1011 and battery identification unit 1012. Inquiryreceiving section 2105 is normally comprised of a modem and driversoftware.

[0201] Retrieving section 2106 retrieves information in response to theinquiry received in inquiry receiving section 2105. Retrieving section2106 is normally comprised of software.

[0202] Result transmitter section 2107 transmits a retrieved result ofretrieving section 2106, or a response to the inquiry. Resulttransmitter section 2107 is also comprised generally of a modem and thedriver software.

[0203] The processes made on the inquiries from user identification unit1011 and battery identification unit 1012 are not repeated here sincethey were already described using FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 respectively.

[0204] Server unit 21 receives information on the inspection and thereuse processes carried out in first processing unit 1013 and secondprocessing unit 1021, and stores them. The above operation of serverunit 21 is described next with reference to a flowchart of FIG. 19.

[0205] Step S1901: Determination is made as to whether informationreceiving section 2101 received information. If it received informationthe process goes on to step S1902, or the process goes back to a pointpreceding the step S1901 if not received.

[0206] Step S1902: Information identification section 2102 identifies akind of the received information.

[0207] Step S1903: Information recording section 2103 records data in atable corresponding to the kind of information. The table is providedinside information storage section 2104.

[0208] The operation is described more concretely as follows.

[0209] A user management table shown in FIG. 20 is stored in informationstorage section 2104 within server unit 21. The user management table isa table used to determine whether a user is legitimate or not. The usermanagement table includes data comprising “user identifier”, “number ofnew batteries purchased”, “number of reuses”, and the like.

[0210] “User identifier” is identification information assigned inadvance to each user when the user is registered, and it is recorded inthe user management table upon registration. In other words, a number ofrecords in the table increase one by one whenever a new user isregistered. “Number of new batteries purchased” is a number of newsecondary batteries purchased by the user who can be identified by theuser identifier. When a user purchases a new battery at the time ofregistration, for instance, a data of “1” is recorded in the table. Itmay be possible to keep record of any user who frequently losessecondary batteries and purchases new butteries, so that he may beoffered the new batteries at higher prices when he purchases the newbatteries again. This may be a way to deter him from purchasing newbatteries, and to promote use of recycled batteries.

[0211] “Number of reuses” indicates a number of purchases of reusablebatteries. This data provides ideas about use behaviors of individualusers, which can be used for marketing ploy and the like.

[0212] Furthermore, a secondary battery management table shown in FIG.21 is also stored in information storage section 2104 of server unit 21.The secondary battery management table contains a number of recordeddata for secondary batteries beside “secondary battery identifier”. Thedata included are “date of manufacture”, “first time user identifier”,“number of reuses”, “first inspection data”, “first reuse data”, “secondinspection data”, “second reuse data”, and so on. Data is revisedrepeatedly in “first inspection data”, “first reuse data”, “secondinspection data”, and “second reuse data” for the number of times (“n”times) the reuse processes are executed. These numbers differ from onebattery to another as identified by the second battery identifiers.

[0213] When a new secondary battery is sold, for instance, the unitlocated in first site 101 transmits information on the “secondarybattery identifier”, “date of manufacture”, and “first time useridentifier” to server unit 21, and these information are stored inserver unit 21. The information of “secondary battery identifier” and“date of manufacture” are obtained, for instance, by reading a barcodeor a memory sheet placed on the secondary battery.

[0214] A period of time from manufacturing date to the present can becalculated with the “date of manufacture” and clock provided in serverunit 21. Server unit 21 can transmit the calculated time period to theunit in first site 101 when there is an inquiry about it. (In addition,the above time period can be used as a period after the transfer of thebattery to the user, although it is not accurate.)

[0215] The “first time user identifier” is information which is inputwhen the user authentication is made as described above at the time ofhis purchasing the secondary battery.

[0216] The “number of reuses” is incremented by information recordingsection 2103, when the server unit receives information to the effectthat the first inspection is started, for example. However, a timing ofthe increment needs not be restrictive to the time when the informationof the first inspection is transmitted, but that the “number of reuses”may be incremented at any other timing such as when first reuse data istransmitted, or when both first reuse data and second reuse data aretransmitted.

[0217] The “first inspection data” needed here is only information thatincludes a result of inspection in the first quality control process. Inspecific, the “first inspection data” includes information indicatingthat a closed-circuit voltage is checked, a value of the closed-circuitvoltage, a value of internal resistance, information indicating that anopen-circuit voltage is checked, a value of the open-circuit voltage,measurement conditions for the above checks (e.g. 0.3 Ω in resistance,0.5 second in measuring time, temperature during the measurement, etc.),and a classified level. The “first inspection data” further includesinformation indicating that a visual inspection is performed, andinformation showing a level resulted from the visual inspection. Thisinformation on the visual level also includes information suggestingthat the battery is suitable for sell to a user, for example.

[0218] The “first reuse data” can be any such information that relatesto a first reuse process in the first reuse step. In specific, the“first reuse data” is information indicating that the battery is in factcharged. The “first reuse data” includes an amount of charged capacity,ambient condition when the battery is being charged (i.e. temperature,etc.), and the like.

[0219] The “second inspection data” can be just information including aresult of inspection in the second quality control process.Specifically, the “second inspection data” includes informationindicating that a visual inspection is performed, information indicatingthat charge/discharge capacity is checked, data showing a result of thecharge/discharge capacity check, and other similar information as notedin the first inspection data.

[0220] The “second reuse data” can also be any such information thatrelates to a second reuse process in the second reuse step. In specific,the “second reuse data” includes information indicating that theexterior is renewed, information showing an illustration pattern of therenewed exterior, information to identify the exterior, informationindicating that the battery is in fact charged, an amount of chargedcapacity, and ambient condition when the battery is being charged (i.e.temperature, etc.). The “second reuse data” further includes informationindicating that the battery has been given a certain period of aging,condition of the aging, and the like.

[0221]FIG. 22 shows an example of data configuration of the informationtransmitted to server unit 21. Information received by server unit 21includes “user identifier”, “secondary battery identifier”, “kind ofinformation” and the “information” itself. The “kind of information” isthe information covering the data in the secondary battery managementtable. They are “first inspection data”, “first reuse data”, “secondinspection data”, and “second reuse data”, to be specific. Server unit21 records the received “information” in a data area corresponding tothe “kind of information”.

[0222] According to this exemplary embodiment as described above,wherein the server unit manages information on the inspection processand the reuse process of the secondary batteries, it can efficientlyexclude all the secondary batteries that are not suitable for reuseduring the process of recycling, thereby promoting realization of thefairly recycle-oriented society.

[0223] Since the server unit manages information on the users, thisinvention makes possible the user authentication, so as to promoteimprovement of the reuse rate of secondary batteries. In other words,this invention makes possible to take measures on certain users whopurchase many new butteries instead of using recycled batteries, so thatnew batteries are offered at higher prices when they purchase the newbatteries. These measures provide for the possibility of improving thereuse rate.

[0224] In this exemplary embodiment, server unit 21 manages a variety ofdata for the secondary batteries using the secondary battery managementtable. However, the variety of data for the secondary battery may berecorded in a rewritable memory sheet placed on the secondary battery.As a concrete example, first processing unit 1013 and second processingunit 1021 may be provided with means of recording into memory sheet 121,so that first inspection data, first reuse data, second inspection data,and second reuse data recorded individually in memory sheet 121 are readand used whenever necessary.

[0225] Memory sheet 121 can be used in the following manner.

[0226] In the first inspection, first processing unit 1013 reads atransfer date of secondary battery to a user as recorded in memory sheet121 of the battery, obtains the present time from its own clock, andclassifies the secondary battery into one of a plurality of levelsaccording to a period of elapsed time after the transfer as calculatedbetween these times. In particular, all secondary batteries exceedingone year are regarded as low level that need to be disposed to therecycling process without subjecting them to the reuse process.

[0227] In the first inspection, first processing unit 1013 also obtainsinformation on number of times that the secondary battery has undergonethe first reuse process and /or the second reuse process, and classifiesthe secondary battery into one of a plurality of levels according to thenumber. In particular, any of the secondary batteries is considered tobe in the low level, if it is reused 500 times or more, so that it isdisposed to the recycling process without subjecting to the reuseprocess.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0228] As described above, the present invention can improve a reuserate and a recycling rate of secondary batteries while assuring qualityof the secondary batteries with the simple method, and thereby theinvention can contribute to the recycle-oriented society.

1. A method of recycling secondary batteries comprising: a first qualitycontrol process including the steps of conducting a first inspection onsaid secondary batteries, separating said secondary batteries into twoor more levels based on a result of said first inspection, andclassifying said separated secondary batteries into a first group and asecond group according to predetermined levels; a first reuse processfor carrying out a first reuse processing on said secondary batteriesseparated into said one or more levels and belonging to said firstgroup, said first reuse processing comprising different ways ofprocessing to make said secondary batteries reusable according toindividual levels; a second quality control process including the stepsof conducting a second inspection on said secondary batteries belongingto said second group, separating said secondary batteries belonging tosaid second group into two or more levels based on a result of saidsecond inspection, and classifying said separated secondary batteriesinto a third group and a fourth group according to predetermined levels;and a second reuse process for carrying out a second reuse processingcomprising different ways of processing to make said secondary batteriesreusable according to individual levels.
 2. The method of recyclingsecondary batteries according to claim 1 further comprising a recyclingprocess for disassembling said secondary batteries belonging to saidfourth group, and collecting useful materials.
 3. The method ofrecycling secondary batteries according to claim 1, wherein said firstreuse processing is comparatively simpler than said second reuseprocessing.
 4. The method of recycling secondary batteries according toclaim 1, wherein: said first inspection includes an open-circuit voltagecheck for measuring an open-circuit voltage; said separation is carriedout according to said open-circuit voltage; and said first reuseprocessing includes charging of said secondary batteries in a prescribedmanner.
 5. The method of recycling secondary batteries according toclaim 4, wherein said first inspection includes a closed-circuit voltagecheck for measuring a closed-circuit voltage, and said separation iscarried out according to said closed-circuit voltage.
 6. The method ofrecycling secondary batteries according to claim 1, wherein said firstquality control process comprises the steps of: acquiring at least oneof a time period elapsed after each of said secondary batteries washanded over to a user and another time period elapsed after each saidsecondary battery was manufactured; and separating each said secondarybattery based on said acquired time period.
 7. The method of recyclingsecondary batteries according to claim 6, wherein said step ofseparating said secondary batteries based on said time period separatescertain of said secondary batteries as having a predetermined level, andtransferring said certain batteries to a recycling process fordisassembling and collecting useful materials without subjecting saidcertain batteries to said first reuse process or said second reuseprocess.
 8. The method of recycling secondary batteries according toclaim 1, wherein said first quality control process comprises the stepsof: acquiring a number of times each of said secondary batteries hasundergone at least one of said first reuse process and said second reuseprocess; and separating each said secondary battery based on saidacquired number of times.
 9. The method of recycling secondary batteriesaccording to claim 8, wherein said step of separating said secondarybatteries based on said number separates certain of said secondarybatteries as having a predetermined level, and transferring said certainbatteries to a recycling process for disassembling and collecting usefulmaterials without subjecting said certain batteries to said first reuseprocess or said second reuse process.
 10. The method of recyclingsecondary batteries according to claim 1, wherein said first qualitycontrol process comprises the steps of: obtaining an appearance datarepresenting information on external appearance of said secondarybatteries; and separating said secondary batteries based on saidappearance data.
 11. The method of recycling secondary batteriesaccording to claim 1, wherein said second quality control processcomprises the steps of: conducting a charge capacity inspection forchecking an electrical charge and discharge capacity of said secondarybatteries; and classifying said secondary batteries into at least twolevels based on a result of said charge capacity inspection.
 12. Themethod of recycling secondary batteries according to claim 11, whereinsaid second reuse process includes an aging period after said chargecapacity inspection.
 13. The method of recycling secondary batteriesaccording to claim 1, wherein said second quality control processcomprises the steps of: obtaining an appearance data representinginformation on external appearance of said secondary batteries; andseparating said secondary batteries based on said appearance data, andsaid second reuse process comprises the step of renewing said exteriorappearance.
 14. The method of recycling secondary batteries according toclaim 1, wherein said second inspection includes an open-circuit voltagecheck and a closed-circuit voltage check, and said secondary batteriesare separated into two or more levels based on results of saidopen-circuit voltage check and said closed-circuit voltage check. 15.The method of recycling secondary batteries according to claim 1,wherein said second quality control process includes a short-circuit andcapacity check for examining a short-circuit and a partial short-circuitof said secondary batteries, and for examining if capacity exceeds apredetermined level, and said secondary batteries are separated into twoor more levels based on results of said short-circuit and capacitycheck.
 16. The method of recycling secondary batteries according toclaim 1, wherein said first quality control process further comprises aprocess of receiving said secondary batteries from a user, saidreceiving process includes a user identifier obtaining process forobtaining a user identifier of said secondary batteries, and a userauthentication process for determining legitimacy of the user accordingto said user identifier, and said secondary batteries are advanced tosaid first quality control process only when said user is authenticatedas legitimate.
 17. The method of recycling secondary batteries accordingto claim 1, wherein said receiving process includes a battery identifierobtaining process for obtaining an identifier of said secondarybatteries, and a battery verification process for determiningsuitability of said secondary batteries according to said secondarybattery identifier, and said secondary batteries are advanced to saidfirst quality control process only when said secondary batteries areverified suitable.
 18. The method of recycling secondary batteriesaccording to claim 1 further comprising: an information obtainingprocess for obtaining at least one of a first inspection datarepresenting a result of said first inspection, a first reuse datarelating to said first reuse process, a second inspection datarepresenting a result of said second inspection, and a second reuse datarelating to said second reuse process; and an information transmissionprocess for transmitting the information obtained in said informationobtaining process.
 19. The method of recycling secondary batteriesaccording to claim 1, wherein each of said secondary batteries has arewritable storage medium, and said method further comprising: aninformation obtaining process for obtaining at least one of a firstinspection data representing a result of said first inspection, a firstreuse data relating to said first reuse process, a second inspectiondata representing a result of said second inspection, and a second reusedata relating to said second reuse process; and an information recordingprocess for storing in said storage medium the information obtained insaid information obtaining process.
 20. The method of recyclingsecondary batteries according to claim 19, wherein said storage mediumcomprises a memory sheet having a display function.
 21. The method ofrecycling secondary batteries according to claim 1 further comprising arecharging process for supplementary recharging said secondary batterieswhen said secondary batteries meet a predetermined condition afterhaving undergone at least one of said first reuse process and saidsecond reuse process.
 22. The method of recycling secondary batteriesaccording to claim 1, wherein said secondary batteries comprise nickelmetal hydride storage batteries.
 23. The method of recycling secondarybatteries according to claim 16, wherein said receiving process includesa wrapping process for wrapping said processed secondary batteriesbefore being handed over to the user, and said wrapping is used forverification that the batteries are in unused condition.
 24. The methodof recycling secondary batteries according to claim 23, wherein saidwrapping has a configuration of covering at least one of electrodes ofeach of said secondary batteries.
 25. A system of recycling secondarybatteries by receiving and separating said batteries after having usedby a user, said system comprising: a shop-level computer located in eachof retail shops, said shop-level computer for obtaining and transmittinga user information, a secondary battery information, a result of firstinspection conducted on said secondary batteries, and a result of firstreuse process; a factory-level computer located in each of factories,said factory-level computer for obtaining and transmitting a result ofsecond inspection and a result of second reuse process executed on saidsecondary batteries transferred from each of said shop to said factory;and a center computer for managing said system, comprising aninformation receiving section for receiving information from saidshop-level computer and another information from said factory-levelcomputer, an information identification section for identifying theinformation received in said information receiving section, and aninformation storage section for storing said identified information. 26.The system of recycling secondary batteries according to claim 25,wherein: said shop-level computer has an inquiry data acquiring sectionfor receiving an inquiry from said user; and said center computer has aretrieving section for retrieving data corresponding to said inquiry,and a retrieved result transmitter section for transmitting theinformation retrieved by said retrieving section to said shop-levelcomputer.
 27. The system of recycling secondary batteries according toclaim 25, wherein said shop-level computer acquires a rechargeinformation relating to recharge processing of said secondary batteriesbefore handing said secondary batteries over to said user, and transmitsto said center computer said user information and said secondary batteryinformation in connection with said recharge information.
 28. The systemof recycling secondary batteries according to claim 25, wherein each ofsaid secondary batteries has a rewritable storage medium, and saidshop-level computer acquires said user information and said secondarybattery information from said storage medium.